INMARSAT’S digital solutions service Fleet Xpress has equipped documentary channel History Hit to broadcast the discovery of Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance.
The wreck of Endurance was discovered off the Antarctic coast earlier this month by the Endurance22 expedition team.
Images of the shipwreck were captured by autonomous underwater vessels (AUVs) launched from South African icebreaker Agulhas II and were shared online via Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress service.
The maritime satellite communications network allowed History Hit and digital media network Little Dot Studios to livestream the discovery.
“It was vital for us to be able to tell the story of the discovery of the Endurance from Antarctica itself, delivering live interviews to traditional broadcasters worldwide,” Endurance22 series producer Nick Birtwistle said.
“Inmarsat was key for us to be able to tell the story as it happened, reach a global audience and inspire future generations.”
Inmarsat also played a role in the discovery itself, using Agulhas II’s existing onboard communications system to provide the crew with a solution to relay images and videos captured by the AUVs.
Inmarsat collaborated with partners Marine Satellite Systems and Direct Suppliers CC to ensure the system was installed on the vessel ahead of its departure from Cape Town, South Africa, in early February.
Inmarsat Maritime president Ben Palmer said the quality of the images is a testament to the capacity of Fleet Xpress.
“Sir Ernest Shackleton is a personal hero of mine, so Inmarsat helping to bring the discovery of his famous ship to screens around the world is a dream come true,” he said.
Inmarsat is also expanding its Arctic coverage through the world’s first mobile broadband satellites dedicated to the High North.
Due to launch in 2023, the GX10A and 10B satellites will provide continuous connectivity to support modern vessel operations in the polar region.
